Family and Communities / Familia y Comunidades

"Well, on the one hand it was beneficial, and on the other hand, the family suffered just as much as you did."

-Pedro del Real Pérez, ex-bracero

FamilyThe bracero program brought both economic opportunity and unexpected hardship to Mexican families. Mexico’s government hoped that workers would bring much-needed cash into their economy. Some men did earn enough money to build houses, buy land, or start businesses in Mexico. Meanwhile, families left behind while men were away had to find ways to get by without fathers, brothers, and husbands.

Ex-votoEx-votos are painted tin images representing a miracle, painted in gratitude for answered prayer. This ex-voto depicts a man injured while doing track maintenance, presumably while in the bracero program.

“In 1942, finding myself in the United States of North America working on a railroad line, the work car on which we were riding derailed, throwing us off and leaving us very battered.” “I prayed then to Our Lord of Mercy as soon as I learned of my husband’s misfortune. I prayed that he bring my husband to me in good condition. Having received this favor, I now make this miracle known.”